Italian league season delayed by television row

The start of the Italian season will be postponed until September 15 because of a failure by clubs to agree television contracts.

Brescia president Luigi Corioni and his Sampdoria counterpart Riccardo Garrone confirmed to PA International today that the decision to delay the start of the season had been taken at a meeting of the Italian league‘s governing body, Lega Calcio.

The big kick-off in the top two Italian divisions, Serie A and Serie B, was scheduled for August 31.

However, a breakdown in negotiations with state broadcasters RAI over a highlights deal and the unhappiness of some of Serie A’s smaller clubs with the package for live matches has forced a two-week postponement.